Alleghany County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Alleghany County and, per the county building page, the Town of Iron Gate. New construction in Iron Gate also requires a letter of zoning approval from the town's zoning official.

Department

Alleghany County Building Inspections Department, Public Works Department

Address

9212 Winterberry Avenue, Suite A, Covington, VA 24426

Phone

(540) 863-6650

Email

clittle@co.alleghany.va.us

Website

http://alleghanycounty.us/public_works/BuildingInspections/building_inspections_and_permits.htm

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project requires a permit. The county requires permits for new construction, enlargements, alterations, demolitions, occupancy changes that trigger code issues, and mobile or manufactured homes.
2. Check zoning, erosion and sediment control, and health department prerequisites. All permits are reviewed for zoning, erosion and sedimentation, and local health department compliance.
3. Prepare the application package. Depending on scope, this may include the building and zoning permit application, a deed if the property was purchased within the last 12 to 18 months, a VDOT entrance permit if a new state road entrance is needed, water and sewer approvals, and erosion and sediment control approval.
4. For new single-family dwellings, prepare two sets of basic structural drawings.
5. Submit the completed application and attachments to the Building Department and allow review time. The county states applicants should allow two working days for review and approval.
6. Pay the required fees when the application is filed. Checks should be made payable to Alleghany County Treasurer.
7. Receive the permit and begin work only after the Building Official has reviewed and approved the application.

Typical processing time: Approximately two working days for permit review and approval.

Source: Alleghany County Building Inspections Department, Public Works Department

General Requirements

A permit is required for all new construction, enlargements, alterations, demolitions, occupancy changes requiring greater structural strength or additional exits or equipment, and for mobile or manufactured homes. Trade permits are also required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

Required Documents

• Building and zoning permit application
• Deed if property was purchased within the last 12 to 18 months
• VDOT entrance permit if a new state road entrance is needed
• Approved water and sewer permit from the health department or county public works as applicable
• Erosion and sediment control approval where triggered
• Two sets of structural drawings for new single-family dwellings
• Plans for commercial work

Permit validity

Applications are abandoned if not pursued in good faith for six months. Issued permits may be revoked if work does not start within six months or is suspended or abandoned for six months, subject to extensions by the building official.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective for permit applications submitted on or after January 18, 2024, subject to Virginia transition rules)

Owner-builder

Homeowners may be listed as their own contractor and do not need a contractor license, but the person signing the application is the responsible party for code compliance and inspections.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a Virginia Class A, B, or C contractor license and a local business license to be listed as contractor on a permit. A copy of the current state license must be provided. Virginia Code section 54.1-1111 requires proof of licensure or a written exemption statement before permit issuance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$15.00 for building permits with estimated cost from $0 to $1,000

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based for building and trade permits. Building permits range from $15.00 up to a capped maximum of $15,000.00 depending on estimated cost.

Trade permit fee

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits have a separate valuation schedule capped at $500.00.

Reinspection fee

$25.00 per trip when three trips or more are required. Agreement in lieu fee is $10.00. Electrical reservice fee is $25.00.

Payment note

Fees are due when the application is filed. Checks should be payable to Alleghany County Treasurer.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Wiring and equipment operating at less than 50 volts, subject to plenum and fire-resistance exceptions
• Detached accessory structures not exceeding 150 square feet of building area, except when accessory to Use Group F or H structures (zoning compliance still applies)
• Tents and air-supported structures of 900 square feet or less with occupancy load of 50 or less
• Work authorized by the code official pending receipt of an application
• Ordinary repairs including qualifying replacement of certain mechanical or plumbing equipment, roof coverings on Use Group R-4 structures, cabinets, qualifying floor coverings and porch flooring, painting and interior finishes, and qualifying replacement of windows, doors, switches, outlets, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Alleghany County Building Inspections Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (540) 863-6650 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day inspections are typically not performed. After the request, it may be at least two working days before the inspection occurs.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing excavation and reinforcement; foundation systems; preparatory work before concrete placement; structural members and fasteners before concealment; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing before concealment; energy conservation material before concealment; final inspection; then certificate of occupancy before occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective for permit applications submitted on or after January 18, 2024, subject to Virginia transition rules)
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
• Virginia Contractor Permit Prerequisite (Code § 54.1-1111)
• County Services Guide (PDF)
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Alleghany County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Alleghany County, VA?

A permit is required for all new construction, enlargements, alterations, demolitions, occupancy changes requiring greater structural strength or additional exits or equipment, and for mobile or manufactured homes. Trade permits are also required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Alleghany County, VA?

The minimum permit fee is $15.00 for building permits with estimated cost from $0 to $1,000. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building and trade permits. Building permits range from $15.00 up to a capped maximum of $15,000.00 depending on estimated cost..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Alleghany County, VA?

1. Confirm whether the project requires a permit. The county requires permits for new construction, enlargements, alterations, demolitions, occupancy changes that trigger code issues, and mobile or manufactured homes. 2. Check zoning, erosion and sediment control, and health department prerequisites. All permits are reviewed for zoning, erosion and sedimentation, and local health department compliance. 3. Prepare the application package. Depending on scope, this may include the building and zoning permit application, a deed if the property was purchased within the last 12 to 18 months, a VDOT entrance permit if a new state road entrance is needed, water and sewer approvals, and erosion and sediment control approval. 4. For new single-family dwellings, prepare two sets of basic structural drawings. 5. Submit the completed application and attachments to the Building Department and allow review time. The county states applicants should allow two working days for review and approval. 6. Pay the required fees when the application is filed. Checks should be made payable to Alleghany County Treasurer. 7. Receive the permit and begin work only after the Building Official has reviewed and approved the application.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Alleghany County, VA?

Typical processing time is Approximately two working days for permit review and approval..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Alleghany County, VA?

The following work is generally exempt: Wiring and equipment operating at less than 50 volts, subject to plenum and fire-resistance exceptions; Detached accessory structures not exceeding 150 square feet of building area, except when accessory to Use Group F or H structures (zoning compliance still applies); Tents and air-supported structures of 900 square feet or less with occupancy load of 50 or less; Work authorized by the code official pending receipt of an application; Ordinary repairs including qualifying replacement of certain mechanical or plumbing equipment, roof coverings on Use Group R-4 structures, cabinets, qualifying floor coverings and porch flooring, painting and interior finishes, and qualifying replacement of windows, doors, switches, outlets, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Alleghany County Building Inspections Department before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Alleghany County, VA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (540) 863-6650. Requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day inspections are typically not performed. After the request, it may be at least two working days before the inspection occurs..